Access to Autism-Specific College Support Programs: Differences Across Geography and Institutional Type

• In Event: Student With Disabilities and Their New Pathways Into Postsecondary Education

Abstract

Several postsecondary institutions have begun their own autism-specific support programs in the wake of increasing numbers of autistic college students entering higher education (Barnhill, 2016). These programs help seamlessly integrate students into college and offer supports that aid their success (Longtin, 2014). Yet, little is known about these programs. In this study, we conducted an exhaustive, year-long search of all 4,567 postsecondary institutions in the United States to identify autism-specific support programs and subsequently analyzed the distribution of these programs geographically and in terms of the types of institutions that offer them. Findings illustrate disproportionate numbers of programs located at public institutions, 4-year institutions, and those located in the Mid-East region of the United States.

Authors

• Brett R. Nachman, North Carolina State University

• Katie McDermott

• Bradley E. Cox, Florida State University